Product Description

In Matthew [NIVAC] Michael. J. Wilkins illuminates lessons from three distinct groups of people surrounding Jesus within the broader theological aims of the first Gospel, namely, to inform his readers what the Kingdom of God is, and to identify Christ as the one who brings that Kingdom.

First are his disciples, those to whom Jesus expresses his most important teachings with the expectation that someday they will pass them on. Next are his enemies, a "lost cause" for they consistently reject his teachings and twist them so that they can eventually destroy him. The large, uncommitted group in the middle, however, will eventually have to make a decision, for when all is said and done, no one can remain neutral to Jesus. Throughout this commentary Wilkins challenges readers to examine their own discipleship, and in doing so echoes Matthew's voice by calling readers to unequivocally identify themselves with Jesus' disciples.

Publisher's Description

The importance of the Gospel of Matthew in church history cannot be overstated. For Jewish readers, it affirmed the Messiahship of Jesus, referring consistently to the Scriptures to establish his credentials. For Gentile disciples, it provided powerful and dramatic support of their inclusion in Gods kingdom. The cross of Christ had removed the division between Jew and non-Jew, and through Matthews writings, we see Israels God drawing the entire world to himself through Jesus. The Gospel according to Matthew . . . Was the most widely read and frequently used of any of the four Gospels in the formative years of the church, writes Michael Wilkins. In this volume of the NIV Application Commentary, Wilkins explains Matthews broad appeal not only to his ancient readers, but also to us today. Exploring the links between the Bible and our own times, Wilkins shares perspectives on Matthews Gospel that reveal its enduring relevance for our twenty-first-century lives. Most Bible commentaries take us on a one-way trip from our world to the world of the Bible. But they leave us there, assuming that we can somehow make the return journey on our own. They focus on the original meaning of the passage but dont discuss its contemporary application. The information they offer is valuablebut the job is only half done! The NIV Application Commentary Series helps bring both halves of the interpretive task together. This unique, award-winning series shows readers how to bring an ancient message into our present-day context. It explains not only what the Bible meant but also how it speaks powerfully today. This series promises to become an indispensable tool for every pastor and teacher who seeks to make the Bible's timeless message speak to this generation. Billy Graham It takes more than interpretation of God's Word to change lives, it takes application. Application is the bottom line in preaching and teaching. Without it, we've missed the point of the Bible. The NIV Application Commentary is an outstanding resource for pastors and anyone else who is serious about developing doers of the Word. Rick Warren, Pastor Saddleback Valley Community Church

Author Bio

Michael J. Wilkins (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is dean of the faculty and professor of New Testament language and literature at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, and the author of several books.

Endorsements

The NIV Application Commentary Series promises to be of very great service to all who preach and teach the Word of God.J.I. Packer
Regent College

The NIV Application Commentary Series doesn't fool around: it gets right down to business, brining this ancient and powerful word of God into the present so that it can be heard and believed with all the freshness of a new day, with all the immediacy of a friend's embrace.Eugene Peterson,
Regent College

The NIV Application Commentary Series helps pastors and Bible teachers with one the most neglected elements in good preaching--accurate, useful application. Most commentaries tell you a few things that are helpful and much that you do not need to know. By dealing with the original meaning and contemporary significance of each passage, the NIV Application Commentary Series promises to be helpful all the way around. James Montgomery Boice
Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA

This series promises to become an indispensable tool for every pastor and teacher who seeks to make the Bible's timeless message speak to this generation.Billy Graham

Here, at last, is a commentary that makes the proper circuit from the biblical world to main street. The NIV Application Commentary is magnificent gift to the church.Kent Hughes,
College Church, Wheaton, IL

Here at last is a commentary which is not only academically well informed but which helps the contemporary reader hear God's word and consider its implications; scholarship in the service of the church.Arthur Rowe,
Spurgeon's College

If you want to avoid hanging applicational elephants from interpretive threads, then the NIV Application Commentary Series is for you. This series excels at both original meaning and contemporary significance. I support it one hundred percent.Howard J. Hendricks,
Dallas Theological Seminary

This is the pulpit for the 21st CenturyGeorge K. Brushaber,
President, Bethel College & Seminary

It takes more than interpretation of God's word to change lives, it takes application. Application is the bottom line in teaching and preaching. Without it, we've missed the point of the Bible. The NIV Application Commentary is an outstanding resource for pastors and anyone else who is serious about developing "doers of the word".Rick Warren,
Saddleback Church

The NIV Application Commentary Series shares the same goal that has been the passion of my own ministry--communicating God's word to a contemporary audience so that they feel the full impact of its message.Bill Hybels,
Willow Creek Community Church

This series dares to go where few scholars have gone before--into the real life world of biblical application faced by pastors and teachers everyday. This is everything a good commentary series should be.Leith Anderson
Pastor, Wooddale Church

Some commentaries build walls that isolate you back in the ancient world. The NIV Application Commentary builds bridges that make the Bible come alive with meaning for contemporary life--and the series do so concisely, clearly, and accurately. No wasted words or academic detours--just solid help and practical truth.Warren W. Weirsbe

This is a simply wonderful commentary on the Text of Matthew. I found it to be both scholarly and devotional. I found the application sections to be so applicable (imagine that?) that after reading it I felt I had some good tools for how to live my life in the light of Christ's gospel. I think any person will find this commentary to be a delight to read and study. (especially pastors who plan on preaching on Matthew)